Vanishing Sands

“We’re used to thinking of sand as an endless resource—even the metaphor for an endless resource, ‘as plentiful as grains of sand on a beach.’ But as this book makes clear, that view is sadly and completely mistaken. It’s time to understand how valuable sand really is.” - Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature

“A real eye-opener into the latest tragedy happening to our coast—the theft of sand on a massive scale as entire beaches and dunes are trucked and shipped away. Globally researched and richly illustrated, this book exposes and documents the ongoing tragedy, occurring at a time when our coasts need more sand than ever to combat the extreme stress of massive coastal development and climate changes. A must-read for anyone who cares about the coast.” - Andrew D. Short, author of Australian Coastal Systems: Beaches, Barriers, and Sediment Compartments

"The authors combine their enthralling case studies with actionable suggestions: governments should buy coastal lands 'to create management units,' for instance. Beachgoers, policymakers, and builders alike will something to consider in this shocking study." - Publishers Weekly

"An informative, detailed, extensively documented scholarly examination of sand mining and its associated issues that will appeal to geologists, environmentalists, and those concerned about climate change." - Sue O'Brien, Library Journal

"Dozens of references in each chapter and a detailed index make this an important addition to academic collections that support work in geology, socioeconomics, politics, ecology, and environmental justice. Highly recommended. All readers." - A. S. Ricker, Choice

"Coastal dwellers and tourists alike will find this exposition to be of relevance in the protection of their properties and recreational sites. In a word, this book has wide appeal to diverse populations that have interest in coastal environments where there are beach and dune sands that need protection form robbers of their coastal sand heritage. As far as this book is concerned, perhaps the most that can be said is to buy it, read it, and learn how to protect this valuable coastal resource."

  - Charles W. Finkl, Journal of Coastal Research

"The authors present this issue in a direct way, holding my interest with their personal accounts of sand mining activities they have experienced. The target audience is not only environmentalists but anyone who appreciates and values sandy beaches and dunes around the world." - Jacqueline Stagner, International Journal of Environmental Studies

"Vanishing Sands is a rich collection of the diverse intersection between sand mining and its detrimental effects on society and the environment. It provides numerous impulses for further research on various academic fields’ relationship with sand extraction, such as epidemiology, environmental history, archeology, and law, to name a few. Thus, Vanishing Sands is a critical read for anyone who engages in the interdisciplinary and transnational research of our planet’s coasts and cares about the protection of our beaches."
  - Henrik Jaron Schneider, E3W Review of Books

"Vanishing Sands is thoughtful and well-researched. . . . In short, the book provides valuable insights on a natural resource that often garners scant attention." - Frederick H. Turner, Natural Resources & Environment

"Vanishing Sands is a quality introduction to the ecological and social challenges created by sand mining. As demand for concrete continues to grow, the cases presented in the text will only become more relevant. Geographers interested in exploring sand mining will find Vanishing Sands a sound launching point for deeper investigation." - Noel Vineyard, Geographical Review